Medicare enrollment has begun

Oct. 25--Crystal Shepherd-Cole, an independent insurance agent, has been assisting senior citizens with Medicare questions and enrollment for the past eight years.

"They (seniors) know me because BCSSI (Boone County Senior Services Inc.) knows me," Shepherd-Cole said. "It (BCSSI) is a safe place to go. There are a lot of scams going on right now."

Shepherd-Cole said her partnership with BCSSI stemmed from the agency being a previous client when she formerly worked for an insurance group.

"I'm the local person to talk to about Medicare," Shepherd-Cole said. "It's nice to have someone local instead of calling a 1-800 number and handling it over the phone."

There are many Medicare options, she said.

"Medicare is not one size fits all," Shepherd-Cole said. "People need to look at what is best for them. I am there to help with what their need is, whether they are new and know nothing about Medicare or are retiring."

She asks clients to bring a list of medications they take and doctors they see.

"I encourage people to look into their current plan," Shepherd-Cole said. "There are more plans this year than last year. Networks can change. People need to make sure that their plan covers their medications and that their doctors are in network."

Medicare enrollment runs now until Dec. 7.

"Timelines are very important," Shepherd-Cole said. "If they're missed, there are penalties."

Shepherd-Cole is meeting with clients by appointment at BCSSI Oct. 28 and Nov. 11 and cannot enroll clients in original Medicare.

To make an appointment, contact Shepherd-Cole by phone at 765-891-0537 or email to cdcole333@yahoo.com.

BCSSI is at 515 Crown Pointe Drive, Lebanon.

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